HARTFORD, Conn., June 7, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — “Big things come in small packages.” “Size doesn’t matter.” Throw in any cliche out there and the MINI Cooper continues to prove them true, this time with the 2011 International Engine of the Year Award in the 1.4 to 1.8 liter capacity class. Received for the all-new engine in the 2011 MINI Cooper S, available at Hartford MINI dealer New Country MINI, the victory marks the fifth time that a MINI Cooper S engine has been honored by the international jury.
The new 1.6-liter four-cylider engine housed in the MINI Cooper S was selected based on voting from 65 auto journalists representing 32 different countries. Featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, the aluminum alloy engine delivers 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, providing swift and smooth acceleration to drivers of the nimble MINI.
“The new engine in the Cooper S packs even more power and efficiency into an small powerplant, so it’s not surprising that it’d take home Engine of the Year honors like its predecessor did,” said Tim Parker, general manager of New Country MINI. “If you can take an award-winning engine and increase its horsepower and fuel efficiency at the same time, there’s a good chance you’re going to keep receiving recognition.”
By incorporating BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve control system, the new engine in the 2011 MINI Cooper S gains nine additional horsepower compared with the engine in the 2010 model. The added power comes while the automatic model actually improves its mileage, bringing its EPA-estimated rating up to 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. These changes help the MINI brand retain bragging rights of having the world’s most efficient power unit of its type and size.
BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology used in the MINI Cooper S was also recognized through the wins of three other engines in the International Engine of the Year Awards. The engines that won were the V8 engine in the BMW M3, the automaker’s six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and the TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine.
While impressive, the latest engine in the MINI Cooper S isn’t the only new feature in the 2011 model available at MINI dealers. New owners can take advantage of the optional MINI Connected 6.5-inch high definition display in the vehicle’s center speedometer. Bluetooth-enabled MINI Connected provides integration with smartphones as well as a USB/iPod adapter. Using its joystick controller, steering wheel buttons and voice commands, MINI Connected allows occupants to browse through the vehicle’s computer, audio system and synced smartphone features, including certain iPhone apps.
“The MINI Cooper S is designed with complete efficiency in mind, whether you’re talking about its fuel economy or the onboard technology that makes your day-to-day communications simpler,” added Parker. “Like all of our MINIs, it takes turns tighter, gets you where you need to go on less cash, and makes navigating your commute an easier affair.”
About New Country MINI:
Connecticut MINI drivers flock to New Country MINI, a premier Connecticut MINI dealer, for one reason: They work to make sure their customers are happy even after the sale. New Country MINI sells used and new MINIs like the 2011 MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper, and they keep them running like new at their Hartford MINI service center. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country MINI is located at 1 Weston Park Rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Find them online at www.newcountrymini.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryMINI , or call them at 877-383-5983.
Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700
